The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) National Executive Council (NEC) has given the Edo State government a 14-day ultimatum to vacate its secretariat in Benin City. The directive was detailed in a statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja after the NEC meeting held in Owerri, Imo State. The deadline, which spans 14 working days, is set to expire on January 8, 2025.

The NLC demanded that the police vacate the premises, return confiscated properties, and refrain from interfering in trade union activities. The Union also condemned the actions of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and the police for orchestrating what it described as a brazen invasion of the NLC State Secretariat. According to the Union, this act of impunity involved ransacking the premises and seizing items to impose illegitimate leadership on workers. It warned that failure to comply with its demands would prompt unprecedented measures to defend workers’ and trade union rights.

At the NEC meeting, the NLC discussed issues affecting Nigerian workers and the public, including the launch of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus services in the Southeast region and the worsening socio-economic conditions caused by government policies. It expressed concern over the hardship Nigerians face, particularly the persistent cash scarcity affecting business activities. The Union condemned the practice of deducting 5% of funds during cash transactions, calling it exploitative and harmful to small businesses and the informal economy. The NLC urged the federal government to address the situation urgently and called on the Central Bank to ensure sufficient cash circulation to boost economic activities.

The Union criticized the Tax Bill currently before the National Assembly, citing the exclusion of organized labor from its formulation. It stressed the need for a fair and inclusive tax system that promotes fiscal discipline and transparency while delivering tangible benefits to citizens. The NLC called for broader consultations to ensure the Tax Bill aligns with the needs of Nigerians and avoids deepening economic inequalities.

The worsening insecurity in the country was another pressing issue highlighted by the Union. Reports indicate Nigerians paid an estimated N2.23 trillion in ransom over the past year, with over 614,000 lives lost and 2.2 million people kidnapped within the same period. The NLC emphasized the urgency for government action to safeguard lives and property, restore public confidence, and uphold the rule of law.

The Union reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for workers’ rights, addressing economic injustices, and pushing for policies that promote the welfare of Nigerian citizens and sustainable development.